Valve with a cutting mechanism to breach tank liner membranes

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides valve assemblies arranged for penetrating a membrane on an outlet port of a container, such as an intermediate bulk container. In some aspects, the valve assembly comprises a moveable plunger with a membrane penetrating portion that, after the valve assembly has been coupled to the container, is selectively operable to penetrate the membrane of the container. Alternatively, the plunger may be configured to an extended configuration prior to attachment of the valve assembly to the container so that as the valve assembly is coupled to the container, the plunger penetrates the membrane of the container. Other arrangements and methods of using the same are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/710,805, filed Oct. 8, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to devices used to discharge liquid from a container.

BACKGROUND

Containers are often used to transport bulk quantities of materials. Many containers arranged for carrying flowable materials have an outlet port. For example, a container such as an intermediate bulk container (IBC) may have an outlet port that is positioned at and/or near the bottom of the container so that the contained material may flow from within the IBC out of the outlet port under the force of gravity. In many cases, the outlet port is sealed with a penetrable liner or membrane that is designed to intentionally be ruptured for use. When the liner or membrane is ruptured, the material contained within the container is permitted to flow out of the container through the outlet port, thus permitting the removal of flowable material from the container.

In many cases, a valve to regulate the flow of material out of the container is connected to an outlet port of the container and, in some instances, is used to rupture a portion of the membrane. Many existing valves are arranged such that they rupture the membrane as the valve is attached to the container, such as while threading the valve onto or into the outlet port. In some instances, these types of valves can rupture the membrane before an adequate seal between the valve and container is formed, thus potentially allowing material to leak out between the valve and the container.

There are also some existing valves that are threaded to the container in a manner that does not puncture the membrane; however, a second tool is then used to puncture the membrane. The tool must be inserted through the valve when the valve is in an open configuration, which, when the membrane is punctured, often results in leakage of some material through the valve. Furthermore, the disposal or cleaning of the second tool (puncturing tool) can require much time and effort. Alternatively, valves are occasionally attached to a container prematurely and therefore penetrate the membrane prior to the desired release of material which can promote spoilage and/or contamination of the material within the container. Thus there is need for improvement in this field.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides devices and methods for discharging material from a container having a penetrable membrane. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a valve assembly capable of selective penetration and/or rupture of the membrane after attachment of the valve assembly to a container. If desired, some embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a retractable plunger which may be extended to cut into a liner or membrane of a container during rotation and installation of the valve assembly.

In the illustrated arrangements, the valve assembly comprises a valve body having an inlet end defining an inlet opening and an outlet end defining an outlet opening. The valve body defines a passageway extending from the inlet opening to the outlet opening, and positioned within the passageway is a plunger having a forward facing plunger face and a plunger side.

In some instances, the present disclosure teaches a valve assembly having a plunger with a membrane penetrating portion positioned on a surface of the plunger. For example, the present disclosure provides a plunger having multiple teeth positioned around the periphery of a plunger face. In many instances, the plunger face has substantially the same size and shape as the inlet opening, and the teeth protrude in a forward direction from the forward facing plunger face and are arranged along a periphery of the plunger face. In some embodiments, such as those illustrated herein, the teeth are arranged in a circular pattern on the forward facing plunger face. Additionally, the circular pattern can define a gap between teeth such that a membrane flap is formed when the teeth penetrate the membrane of the container. The teeth can also be inset from the periphery of the forward facing plunger face. Preferably, the teeth of the plunger are configured to penetrate the membrane so as to allow material within the container to travel through the inlet opening, into the passageway and towards the outlet opening.

As will be apparent from the present disclosure, the plunger can be positioned within a passageway of a valve body and is movable from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. In some preferred embodiments, the plunger side abuts an interior wall of the passageway so as to seal the inlet opening and prevent material from passing through the inlet opening and into the passageway when the plunger is in the retracted configuration.

In some aspects, the present disclosure describes a valve assembly having a membrane penetrating portion that is manipulable upon operation of a valve stem. For example, in some arrangements the valve assembly includes a valve handle that is coupled to a valve stem and can be manipulated to rotate the valve stem around a rotational axis extending transverse to a rear section of the plunger. The valve stem can comprise a crank portion that is laterally spaced from the rotational axis and is positioned within a slot defined by the rear section of the plunger; wherein upon rotation of the valve stem around the rotational axis, the crank portion of the valve stem translates along a length of the passageway and moves the plunger between the retracted and extended configurations.

In some instances, the valve stem and slot are arrangeable to retain the plunger in the extended configuration so that, for example, the valve assembly can be threadably coupled to the outlet port of the container with the plunger in the extended configuration. Advantageously, in this arrangement, the teeth can penetrate the membrane of the container during rotation as the valve assembly is threaded to the outlet port. Alternatively or additionally, valve assembly embodiments of the present disclosure can be coupled to the outlet port of the container with the plunger in the retracted configuration such that after the valve assembly is coupled to the outlet port, the valve stem can be selectively operated to linearly translate the teeth along an axis towards the membrane to penetrate the membrane of the container.

In some embodiments, the valve assembly is welded and/or fused to an intermediate bulk container (IBC). For example, an inlet end of the valve assembly can be welded and/or fused to a liner or bag of the IBC such as by heat sealing or solvent welding, just to name a few non-limiting examples. Alternatively, the valve assembly can be welded and/or fused to a supporting structure of the IBC, such as a frame or wall of the IBC.

Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a valve assembly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a valve assembly with the valve body removed.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the valve assembly.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the valve assembly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the valve assembly.

FIG. 6 is a left elevational view of the valve assembly.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the valve assembly.

FIG. 8 is a right elevational view of the valve assembly.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the valve assembly.

FIG. 10 is a right elevational view of the valve assembly in a closed configuration.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a right elevational view of the valve assembly in an open configuration.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail; although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention are not being shown for the sake of clarity.

With respect to the specification and claims, it should be noted that the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, and the like include plural referents unless expressly discussed otherwise. As an illustration, references to “a device” or “the device” include one or more of such devices and equivalents thereof. It also should be noted that directional terms, such as “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like, are used herein solely for the convenience of the reader in order to aid in the reader's understanding of the illustrated embodiments, and it is not the intent that the use of these directional terms in any manner limit the described, illustrated, and/or claimed features to a specific direction and/or orientation.

The present disclosure provides devices and methods for discharging material from a container having a penetrable membrane. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a valve assembly capable of selective penetration and/or rupture of the membrane after attachment of the valve assembly to a container. If desired, some embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a retractable plunger which may be extended to cut into a liner or membrane of a container during rotation and installation of the valve assembly.

In the illustrated arrangements, the valve assembly comprises a valve body having an inlet end defining an inlet opening and an outlet end defining an outlet opening. The valve body defines a passageway extending from the inlet opening to the outlet opening, and positioned within the passageway is a plunger having a forward facing plunger face and a plunger side.

In some instances, the present disclosure teaches a valve assembly having a plunger with a membrane penetrating portion positioned on a surface of the plunger. For example, the present disclosure provides a plunger having multiple teeth positioned around the periphery of a plunger face. In many instances, the plunger face has substantially the same size and shape as the inlet opening, and the teeth protrude in a forward direction from the forward facing plunger face and are arranged along a periphery of the plunger face. In some embodiments, such as those illustrated herein, the teeth are arranged in a circular pattern on the forward facing plunger face. Additionally, the circular pattern can define a gap between teeth such that a membrane flap is formed when the teeth penetrate the membrane of the container. The teeth can also be inset from the periphery of the forward facing plunger face. Preferably, the teeth of the plunger are configured to penetrate the membrane so as to allow material within the container to travel through the inlet opening, into the passageway and towards the outlet opening.

As will be apparent from the present disclosure, the plunger can be positioned within a passageway of a valve body and is movable from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. In some preferred embodiments, the plunger side abuts an interior wall of the passageway so as to seal the inlet opening and prevent material from passing through the inlet opening and into the passageway when the plunger is in the retracted configuration.

In some aspects, the present disclosure describes a valve assembly having a membrane penetrating portion that is manipulable upon operation of a valve stem. For example, in some arrangements the valve assembly includes a valve handle that is coupled to a valve stem and can be manipulated to rotate the valve stem around a rotational axis extending transverse to a rear section of the plunger. The valve stem can comprise a crank portion that is laterally spaced from the rotational axis and is positioned within a slot defined by the rear section of the plunger; wherein upon rotation of the valve stem around the rotational axis, the crank portion of the valve stem translates along a length of the passageway and moves the plunger between the retracted and extended configurations.

In some instances, the valve stem and slot are arrangeable to retain the plunger in the extended configuration so that, for example, the valve assembly can be threadably coupled to the outlet port of the container with the plunger in the extended configuration. Advantageously, in this arrangement, the teeth can penetrate the membrane of the container during rotation as the valve assembly is threaded to the outlet port. Alternatively or additionally, valve assembly embodiments of the present disclosure can be coupled to the outlet port of the container with the plunger in the retracted configuration such that after the valve assembly is coupled to the outlet port, the valve stem can be selectively operated to linearly translate the teeth along an axis towards the membrane to penetrate the membrane of the container.

In some embodiments, the valve assembly is welded and/or fused to an intermediate bulk container (IBC). For example, an inlet end of the valve assembly can be welded and/or fused to a liner or bag of the IBC such as by heat sealing or solvent welding, just to name a few non-limiting examples. Alternatively, the valve assembly can be welded and/or fused to a supporting structure of the IBC, such as a frame or wall of the IBC.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a valve assembly 100 that generally comprises a valve body 101, a plunger 120, a valve stem 130 (internal to FIG. 1), and a handle 150. Valve body 101 has an inlet end 102 and an outlet end 103. Inlet end 102 of valve body 101 has a wall 104 with an inner surface 106 and an inner diameter that defines an inlet opening 108. Inlet opening 108 communicates with a cavity or passageway within the valve body 101 which defines a passage to an opening in the outlet end 103. In some embodiments, inlet end 102 of valve body 101 has a threaded portion 110 on an outer diameter that is arranged to mate with a corresponding threaded portion of an outlet port of a container. In the illustrated embodiment, positioned with inlet end 102 is a boss 112. Boss 112 extends around valve body 101 and has a facial seal surface 113 that faces towards inlet end 102 and/or a portion of a container, such as the outlet port.

Positioned within inlet opening 108 of valve body 101 is a closing element such as plunger 120. In some embodiments, plunger 120 is arranged for sliding movement within valve body 101 and has a plunger side and a forward facing plunger face 121 that faces towards inlet end 102 and an outlet port on a container when the valve assembly 100 is attached to a container.

In some arrangements, the plunger side, when positioned within the passageway of the valve body 101, abuts inner surface 106 of wall 104 so as to seal the inlet opening 108 of inlet end 102 and prevent material from passing through the inlet opening 108 and into the passageway. Similarly, the plunger face can have substantially the same size and shape as the inlet opening so as to prevent material from flowing into the passageway of the valve body 101. Additionally or alternatively, the plunger face can be a substantially planer surface. A portion of plunger 120, such as plunger face 121, can also comprise a membrane penetrating portion.

In some instances, the membrane penetrating portion extends and/or protrudes in a forward direction from plunger face 121. For example, the membrane penetrating portion may comprise a series of extensions, such as teeth 122, arranged for penetrating the membrane of the container. Alternatively, the membrane penetrating portion may comprise a cutting member such as edge and/or a blade arranged to cut the membrane. The membrane penetrating portion may be formed in a number of ways. For example, teeth 122 may be integrally formed with the plunger face 121, such as by molding and/or may be mounted onto the plunger face 121, to name just a few non-limiting examples.

In some embodiments, the membrane penetrating portion is arranged so as to create an opening in the membrane of substantially the same size as plunger face 121 and/or inlet opening 108. For example, teeth 122 can be inset from the periphery of the plunger face 121 and extend and/or be arranged along the periphery of plunger face 121 so that an opening substantially the same size as plunger face 121 is created in the membrane when teeth 122 penetrate the membrane. In some instances, teeth 122 are arranged in a circular pattern on the forward facing plunger face 121. Additionally or alternatively, the membrane penetrating portion may extend across a portion of plunger face 121. For example, teeth 122 may extend across plunger face 121, such as along a chord, radius, and/or a diameter of the plunger face 121. Advantageously, an opening in the membrane of substantially the same size as plunger face 121 increases the efficiency of material flow into and out of valve assembly 100.

In some embodiments, teeth 122 are arranged such that the membrane is only partially penetrated or separated so that a portion of the membrane lying within the perimeter of teeth 122 remains attached to the container. For example, teeth 122 of plunger 120 may extend along a periphery of plunger face 121 and define a gap 124 between certain of teeth 122. When teeth 122 penetrate and separate the membrane of the container, the portion of the membrane corresponding to gap 124 is unseparated and remains attached to membrane portions outside of the teeth perimeter. Effectively, a membrane flap is created, which may then be pushed aside or otherwise be out of the way when plunger 120 is advanced into the container. Advantageously, this can inhibit a portion or pieces of the membrane from blocking and/or entering inlet opening 108 of valve body 101 and/or mixing with the material within the container and/or flowing therefrom. This arrangement of teeth 122 also may decrease the number of pieces that the membrane may break into.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, plunger 120 can have a rear section 123 with an opposing and parallel top flange 126 and a bottom flange 127 arranged to slide within opposing and parallel tracks or grooves of the valve body 101. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, bottom flange 127 is arranged to slide between guides 118 and 119 inhibiting plunger 120 from rotating within valve body 101. “Top” and “bottom” as illustrated are in the context of the valve assembly, which may rotate as it is mounted, and which is not limited to use in the perspective shown. As mentioned earlier, directional terms such as “top” and “bottom” and the like are solely for the convenience of illustration and are not intended to limit the disclosed embodiments.

Rear section 123 of plunger 120 defines a slot 128 arranged to receive a portion of valve stem 130. Valve stem 130 has an upper end 131 and a lower end 132 connected by an offset crank portion 133. When assembled into valve assembly 100, crank portion 133 is positioned within slot 128 and is capable of both rotational and translational movement within slot 128. For example, as valve stem 130 is rotated, crank portion 133 rotates within the cavity of valve body 101 and translates in location along the cavity. As crank portion 133 translates towards inlet end 102, crank portion 133 pushes slot 128 and thus plunger 120 outward through inlet opening 108 and into an open and/or extended configuration. Similarly, as crank portion 133 translates towards outlet end 103, it pulls slot 128 and thus plunger 120 into inlet opening 108 and into a closed and/or retracted configuration.

In some embodiments, portions of slot 128 may have features arranged to retain crank portion 133 in a particular location within slot 128 and/or provide tactile feedback to an operator. For example, the sides of slot 128 may have a ball detent or bump arranged to retain the crank portion 133 in the open configuration, the closed configuration, and/or in a partially open configuration.

In some instances, valve assembly 100 includes seals so as to inhibit material from leaking through and/or around valve assembly 100 when handle 150, valve stem 130 and plunger 120 are in a closed configuration (such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1, and 5-12). For example, a sealing member such as an o-ring 170 may be positioned between plunger 120 and valve body 101 so as to inhibit material from passing between plunger 120 and valve body 101 when valve assembly 100 is in a closed configuration. O-ring 170, in some instances, may be positioned within a groove 129 defined by plunger 120. Alternatively, or additionally, o-ring 170 and/or a portion of plunger 120 can be arranged to seat and seal against an interior rim of inner surface 106 when plunger 120 is in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, a seal 172 may be positioned along seal surface 113 of boss 112 around the exterior of the valve body 101 so that when valve body 101 is mated with a container, such as by threaded engagement of threaded portion 110 of valve body 101 with a threaded portion of an outlet port, seal 172 inhibits material from leaking between valve body 101 and the container.

In some embodiments, a valve stem adaptor 140 couples valve stem 130 to a handle 150 so that rotational force can be transferred from handle 150 to valve stem 130. In some instances, valve stem adaptor 140 has a recess 142 arranged for receiving upper end 131 of valve stem 130. Similarly, valve stem adaptor 140 can have a handle coupling portion 144 arranged to couple to handle 150. Sealing members such as o-rings 174 and 176 may be used to inhibit material from leaking out of valve stem opening 114 of the valve body near handle 150. In some instances, o-rings 174, 176 are positioned between valve stem adaptor 140 and valve body 101 and within grooves 146, 148 defined by valve stem adaptor 140.

Handle 150 can have an adaptor receiving portion 152 arranged to couple with valve stem adaptor 140. Alternatively, in some embodiments handle 150 is arranged to couple directly to a portion of valve stem 130, such as upper end 131. In these embodiments, sealing members may be positioned in and/or around valve stem 130 and/or handle 150 so as to inhibit material from leaking out of valve stem opening 114.

In some instances, handle 150 has a post 154 arranged to contact a portion of valve body 101 so as to limit the rotational travel of handle 150 with respect to valve body 101. For example, FIGS. 5-12 illustrate views of valve assembly 100 when handle 150, valve stem 130 and plunger 120 are in a closed configuration. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, when handle 150 is in a closed configuration, post 154 of handle 150 contacts hard stop 116 of valve body 101. When handle 150 is rotated into an open position, such as by rotating the handle in a clockwise direction as viewed from the perspective in FIG. 7, post 154 may contact hard stop 117 of valve body 101 so as to inhibit handle 150 from rotating further.

Outlet end 103 of valve body 101 may be arranged for coupling to other members. For example, outlet end 103 may comprise a coupling member such as threads and/or flanges. The coupling member may be arranged for coupling outlet end 103 of valve body 101 to one or more pipes, hoses, containers, and/or nozzles, to name a few non-limiting examples.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate that valve assembly 100 can be attached to an outlet port 1000 of a container in the closed configuration without penetrating a membrane 1002 of the container. FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of valve assembly 100 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10. When handle 150, valve stem 130, and plunger 120 are in a closed configuration, plunger face 121, teeth 122, and o-ring 170 are positioned within inlet opening 108 of valve body 101, and plunger 120 and o-ring 170 fill inlet opening 108 and inhibit material from passing through inlet opening 108 and out of the outer in the outlet end 103. Additionally, when in a closed configuration, plunger 120 remains entirely on one side of membrane 1002.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate valve assembly 100 in an open configuration. When in an open configuration, plunger 120 is extended from inlet opening 108 and the membrane penetrating portion, such as teeth 122, are positioned to penetrate, cut, and/or perforate a membrane of the container. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 13-15, plunger face 121 of plunger 120 is extended and teeth 122 have penetrated membrane 1002 of an outlet port 1000 of a container. After membrane 1002 is penetrated, material may flow from the container, through outlet port 1000, past plunger 120, into inlet opening 108 of valve assembly 100, through the cavity defined by valve body 101, and out outlet end 103.

In some instances, valve assembly 100 is configurable between the closed configuration and the open configuration by rotating handle 150 from the closed configuration into the open configuration. Rotating handle 150 rotates and slides crank portion 133 within slot 128 of plunger 120 and translates plunger 120 from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Additionally, in some embodiments, the valve stem 130 and slot 128 are arrangeable so as to retain the plunger in an extended or retracted configuration.

In the open configuration a portion of plunger 120, such as plunger face 121, extends beyond inlet opening 108 of valve body 101 and penetrates membrane 1002 so as to allow material contained within the container to flow through inlet opening 108 and out of the outlet in outlet end 103 of valve body 101.

EXEMPLARY METHODS OF USE

Valve assembly 100 may be used in a variety of ways to puncture the membrane of a container and control the flow of material from inside the container. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide for the selective puncturing of the container's membrane after attachment of valve assembly 100 to the container. For example, valve assembly 100 can be connected in its closed configuration to a port on a tank. When valve assembly 100 is operated from a closed configuration to an open configuration, plunger 120 linearly translates through the passageway, extending towards the membrane from inlet opening 108, and a membrane penetrating portion of plunger 120, such as teeth 122, cuts or perforates the membrane to allow flowable materials, such as liquid, to flow into valve assembly 100 and out of outlet end 103. Advantageously, these types of embodiments permit containers to remain sealed with valve assembly 100 attached. This reduces the likelihood of contamination or spoilage of the material within the container. Additionally, these embodiments allow for removal of valve assemblies that were inappropriately attached to containers, such as being attached to the wrong container or not being securely fastened to the container. In another example, it may be desirable to remove the valve prior to shipping the container so as to reduce the chances of the valve being damaged in transit. Leaving the membrane of the container intact further reduces the chances of material leakage prior to puncture.

In some instances, valve assembly 100 can be in an open or partially open configuration when it is coupled to the container. For example, the valve assembly 100 may be in a partially open configuration so that a sterilizing agent or solution may be introduced into the valve assembly 100 and towards the membrane prior to the membrane penetrating portion perforating the membrane of the container so that the material exiting the container through the valve contacts sterilized portions of the valve assembly 100. As one non-limiting example, steam may be introduced into the valve assembly 100 to sterilize the valve assembly 100 before the membrane is breached. Similarly, in some embodiments, portions of the valve assembly 100, such as the valve stem 130 and slot 128, are arrangeable so as to retain plunger in an extended or retracted configuration. For example, plunger 120 can be in the open or extended configuration as valve assembly 100 is screwed or rotated onto the container, causing teeth 122 of plunger 120 to contact and rotatably cut the membrane of the container as the valve is threadably attached.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A valve assembly for dispensing material from a container having an outlet port sealed by a membrane, the assembly comprising: a valve body having an inlet end and an outlet end; the inlet end defining an inlet opening, the outlet end defining an outlet opening, and the valve body defining a passageway extending from the inlet opening to the outlet opening; a plunger positioned within the passageway and having a forward facing plunger face and a plunger side; the plunger face having substantially the same size and shape as the inlet opening; a tooth protruding in a forward direction from the forward facing plunger face and arranged to penetrate the membrane of the container; and wherein the plunger is movable from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration; wherein the valve assembly is configured to be coupled to the container and the teeth of the plunger are configured to penetrate the membrane so as to allow material within the container to travel through the inlet opening, into the passageway and towards the outlet opening.
 2. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein: when in the retracted configuration, the plunger side abuts an interior wall of the passageway so as to seal the inlet opening and prevent material from passing through the inlet opening and into the passageway.
 3. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein: the inlet end of the valve assembly comprises an externally threaded portion.
 4. The valve assembly of claim of claim 1, comprising: a valve stem having a rotational axis extending transverse to a rear section of the plunger; and the valve stem having a crank portion that is laterally spaced from the rotational axis and is positioned within a slot defined by the rear section of the plunger; wherein upon rotation of the valve stem around the rotational axis, the crank portion of the valve stem translates along a length of the passageway and moves the plunger between the retracted and extended configurations.
 5. The valve assembly of claim 4, wherein: the valve stem and slot are arrangeable to retain the plunger in the extended configuration.
 6. The valve assembly of claim 5, wherein: the valve assembly can be threadably coupled to the outlet port of the container with the plunger in the extended configuration so that the tooth penetrates the membrane of the container during rotation as the valve assembly is threaded to the outlet port.
 7. The valve assembly of claim 4, wherein: the valve assembly can be coupled to the outlet port of the container with the plunger in the retracted configuration such that after the valve assembly is coupled to the outlet port, the valve stem can be selectively operated to linearly translate the teeth along an axis towards the membrane to penetrate the membrane of the container.
 8. The valve assembly of claim 1, comprising: a plurality of teeth protruding in a forward direction from the forward facing plunger face and arranged along a periphery of the plunger face; wherein the teeth are arranged in a circular pattern on the forward facing plunger face.
 9. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein: the circular pattern defines a gap between certain teeth such that a membrane flap is formed when the teeth penetrate the membrane of the container.
 10. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein: the teeth are inset from the periphery of the forward facing plunger face.
 11. A valve assembly for dispensing material from a container having an outlet port sealed by a membrane, the assembly comprising: a valve body having an inlet end and an outlet end; the inlet end defining an inlet opening, the outlet end defining an outlet opening, and the valve body defining a passageway extending from the inlet opening to the outlet opening; a plunger positioned within the passageway and having a substantially planer forward facing plunger face, a plunger side, and a rear section defining a slot; the plunger face having substantially the same size and shape as the inlet opening; a plurality of teeth protruding in a forward direction from the forward facing plunger face and inset from a periphery thereof; a valve handle coupled to a valve stem having a rotational axis extending transverse to the rear section of the plunger; and the valve stem having a crank portion that is positioned within the slot defined by the plunger and is laterally spaced from the rotational axis such that upon rotation of the valve stem around the rotational axis the crank portion of the valve stem translates along a length of the passageway and moves the plunger; wherein the plunger, valve handle, and valve stem are configurable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration; and wherein the valve assembly is configured to be coupled to the container and the teeth of the plunger are configured to penetrate the membrane so as to allow material within the container to travel through the inlet opening, into the passageway and towards the outlet opening.
 12. The valve assembly of claim 11, wherein: the teeth are arranged in a circular pattern on the forward facing plunger face.
 13. The valve assembly of claim 11, wherein: in the retracted configuration, the teeth are positioned within the valve body and the plunger blocks material from the container from traveling through the inlet opening of the valve body and into the passageway defined by the valve body.
 14. The valve assembly of claim 11, wherein: in the extended configuration, the plunger extends through the inlet opening such that at least some of the teeth are positioned outside of the valve body and the inlet opening is in communication with the passageway such that material can travel through the inlet opening and into the passageway of the valve body.
 15. The valve assembly of claim 11, wherein: the valve stem and slot are arrangeable to retain the plunger in the extended configuration.
 16. The valve assembly of claim 11, wherein: the valve assembly can be coupled to an outlet port of the container with the plunger in the retracted configuration such that after the valve assembly is coupled to the outlet port, the valve stem can be selectively operated to linearly translate the teeth along an axis towards the membrane to penetrate the membrane of the container.
 17. The valve assembly of claim 11, wherein: the valve assembly is threadably coupled to an intermediate bulk container.
 18. The valve assembly of claim 11, wherein: the valve assembly is welded to an intermediate bulk container.
 19. A valve assembly for dispensing material from a container having an outlet port sealed by a membrane, the assembly comprising: a valve body having an inlet end and an outlet end; the inlet end defining an inlet opening, the outlet end defining an outlet opening, and the valve body defining a passageway extending from the inlet opening to the outlet opening; a plunger positioned within the passageway and having a forward facing plunger face and a plunger side; the forward facing plunger face having substantially the same size and shape as the inlet opening; a plurality of teeth protruding from the forward facing plunger face and arranged in a circular pattern; the plunger movable from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration; wherein when the valve assembly is coupled to the container and the plunger is moved from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration the teeth of the plunger penetrates the membrane and the plunger face and plunger side move out of the inlet opening so as to allow material within the container to travel through inlet opening, into the passageway and towards the outlet opening.
 20. A valve assembly of claim 19, wherein: the valve body is couplable to the outlet port of the container without penetrating the membrane. 